Cordless power tool battery release mechanism

ABSTRACT

A battery release mechanism for releasably securing a battery to a power tool is disclosed. The battery release mechanism includes a battery receiving portion integral with a handle portion of the power tool and an attachment portion integral with the battery. The attachment portion is configured to engage the battery receiving portion. The battery release mechanism also includes a closure member that is operable with and transversely disposed within the battery receiving portion. The closure member is configured to secure the battery within the battery receiving portion when the closure member is in a “lock” position. The closure member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is disposed through a side wall of the tool housing and defines a push button for selectively moving the closure member from the “lock” position to a “release” position. When the closure member is in the “release” position, the battery can be removed from the power tool. A method of releasably securing a battery to a power tool is also disclosed.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. § 120

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/105,748,filed Jun. 1, 1999, entitled “BATTERY POWERED DRILL/DRIVER,” the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to cordless power tools, and moreparticularly, to cordless power tools having a battery release mechanismfor releasably securing a battery to the power tool.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Cordless power tools are well-known and provide severaladvantages over traditional corded power tools. One of the advantagesprovided by cordless power tools is the mobility and/or portability whenusing the tool. For example, the operator of the cordless power tool canquickly and efficiently work over a larger area without having tocontinually adjust the power cord. Similarly, cordless power tools canused in areas where electrical power is not available. Because of theseadvantages, the popularity of cordless power tools has increased amongboth professional and novice power tool users.

[0004] Despite these advantages, there are disadvantages associated withcordless power tools. One of the disadvantages associated with cordlesspower tools is the power limitations of the battery pack. Typically,most battery packs for cordless power tools can be operated betweenabout 4 to 8 hours depending on the size of the battery and the amountof usage. Once the electrical charge in the battery is depleted, theoperator typically is required to remove the battery pack from the powertool and recharge the battery using a battery charger.

[0005] Many existing power tools include battery release mechanisms thatallow the battery to be removed from the power tool and recharged.Existing battery release mechanisms include latching arrangements thatreleasably secure the battery pack to the power tool. For example, someexisting release mechanisms include two push buttons disposed on theside of the battery housing. In these arrangements, the battery packextends upwards into the handle of the power tool. Thus, in order toremove the battery pack from the power tool, the user depresses bothbuttons and pulls downward on the battery pack to disengage the batterypack from the power tool. Other battery release mechanisms have a buttondisposed through the rear of the power tool. The user can release thebattery pack from the power tool by depressing or sliding the buttonsuch that the latching arrangement allows removal of the battery pack.

[0006] However, there are several shortcomings with existing batteryrelease mechanisms. For example, release mechanisms that have twobuttons typically require the operator to hold the power tool anddepress both buttons while trying to remove the battery pack from thepower tool. Without depressing both release buttons, the battery pack isunable to be removed from the power tool. Moreover, release mechanismshaving the release button disposed through the rear of the power tooltypically require the operator to hold the tool differently from the waythe power tool is held during operation in order to remove the battery.As a result, these battery release mechanisms are often cumbersome anddifficult to use.

[0007] Improvements in the mechanisms used to releasably secure batterypacks to cordless power tools are sought.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] The present disclosure generally relates to cordless power tools.More particularly, the present disclosure is directed towards cordlesspower tools having a battery release mechanism for releasably securing abattery to the power tool. The battery engages a closure member as thebattery is forced into engagement with the tool from the rear.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a cordless power toolhaving a main body portion, a handle portion depending from the mainbody portion and a mechanism for releasably securing a battery to thehandle portion opposite the main body portion. The mechanism forreleasably securing the battery to the handle portion includes a batteryreceiving portion integral with the handle portion and an attachmentportion integral with the battery. The attachment portion is configuredto engage the battery receiving portion. The mechanism also includes aclosure member that is operable with and transversely disposed withinthe battery receiving portion. The closure member is configured tosecure the battery within the battery receiving portion when the closuremember is in a “lock” position. The closure member has a first end and asecond end opposite the first end. The first end is disposed through aside wall of the tool housing and defines a push button for selectivelymoving the closure member from the “lock” position to a “release”position. When the closure member is in the “release” position, thebattery can be removed from the power tool.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the invention, the closure member alsoincludes a locking finger integral with the second end of the closuremember. The locking finger is configured to secure the battery withinthe battery receiving portion when the closure member is in the “lock”position. Furthermore, the battery receiving portion includes a firstguide channel and a second guide channel. Similarly, the attachmentportion includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail. The firstand second guide rails are configured to interlock with the first andsecond guide channels.

[0011] In an alternative aspect of the invention, the mechanism forreleasably securing a battery to a power tool includes a batteryreceiving portion integral with the power tool housing. The batteryreceiving portion includes a mounting surface for receiving the batteryand an attachment portion integral with the battery. The attachmentportion is configured to slidably engage the battery receiving portion.Furthermore, the mechanism for releasably securing the battery to thepower tool also includes a closure member that is operable with andarranged substantially perpendicular to the battery receiving portion.The closure member is configured to secure the battery within thebattery receiving portion when the closure member is in a “lock”position. Conversely, the closure member is configured to disengage thebattery when the closure member is in a “release” position. In thisaspect of the disclosure, the closure member includes a first end and asecond end opposite the first end. The closure member has an elongatedbody portion and a locking finger that is integral with and extends fromthe body portion substantially near the second end of the closuremember. The locking finger is configured to secure the attachmentportion to the power tool when the battery is positioned within thebattery receiving portion.

[0012] In another aspect, the first end of the locking finger isdisposed through a side wall of the tool housing and defines a pushbutton for selectively moving the closure member from the “lock”position to the “release” position. The battery receiving portionincludes a first guide channel and a second guide channel. Similarly,the attachment portion includes a first guide rail and a second guiderail. The first and second guide rails are configured to interlock withthe first and second guide channels. The first guide rail has a firstend for engaging the locking finger when the battery is moved in a firstdirection relative to the attachment portion. The first guide rail has asecond end for engaging the locking finger when the battery is moved ina second direction relative to the attachment portion.

[0013] A method for releasably securing a battery to a power toolhousing is also disclose. The method includes the steps of providing apower tool having a battery receiving portion integral with the powertool housing. The battery receiving portion is operable with a closuremember that is transversely disposed within the battery receivingportion and configured to secure the battery within the batteryreceiving portion. The closure member has a first end and a second end.The first end of the closure member is disposed through a side wall ofthe tool housing and defines a push button for selectively moving theclosure member from a “lock” position to a “release” position. On thebattery, an attachment portion is provided that is integral with thebattery and is further constructed to engage the battery receivingportion. The method further includes the steps of aligning theattachment portion with the battery receiving portion and moving thebattery in a first direction such that the attachment portion slidablyengages the battery receiving portion and the closure member such thatthe closure member is urged into the “release” position. To releasablysecure the battery to power tool, the battery is positioned within thebattery receiving such that the closure member returns to the “lock”position. Preferably, the attachment portion slidably engages thebattery receiving portion from the rear of the power tool.

[0014] The above summary of the present invention is not intended todescribe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of thepresent invention. Other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent in light of the following detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention may be more completely understood in considerationof the following detailed description of various embodiments of theinvention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a power tool having abattery pack secured thereto according to the principles of the presentdisclosure;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a side-elevational view illustrating a first side of thepower tool shown in FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a side-elevational view illustrating a second side ofthe power tool shown in FIG. 1 opposite the first side of the power toolshown in FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a side-elevational view illustrating the front of thepower tool shown in FIGS. 1-3;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a side-elevational view illustrating the rear of thepower tool shown in FIGS. 1-4;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a side-elevational view illustrating the batteryreceiving portion from the rear of the power tool shown in FIG. 5;

[0022]FIG. 7A is a plan view of the bottom of the power tool shown inFIGS. 1-5 illustrating a battery release mechanism in a “lock” position;

[0023]FIG. 7B is a plan view of the bottom of the power tool shown inFIG. 1 illustrating the battery release mechanism in a “release”position;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a plan view of a closure member for use with the batteryrelease mechanism of the present disclosure;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a side-elevational view of the closure member shown inFIG. 8;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a plan view of the top of a battery pack illustratingthe battering receiving portion according to the principles of thepresent disclosure;

[0027]FIG. 11 is a side-elevational view of the battery pack shown inFIG. 10;

[0028]FIG. 12 is an exploded, side-elevational view of the power toolshown in FIGS. 1-5 illustrating a battery in slidable engagement withthe power tool; and

[0029]FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are cross-sectional views of the powertool of FIG. 3 taken along line 13-13 illustrating engagement of thebattery of FIGS. 10 and 11 with the power tool of FIGS. 1-5.

[0030] While the invention is amenable to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of examplein the drawings and will be described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention tothe particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure generally relates to cordless power tools.More particularly, the present disclosure is directed towards cordlesspower tools having a battery release mechanism for releasably securing abattery to the power tool. While the present invention is not solimited, a more detailed understanding of the present invention will begained through a discussion of the drawings in connection with theexamples provided below.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a cordless electricpower tool 100. By way of illustration, the power tool 100 shown in FIG.1 is an electric power drill/driver. However, it should be understoodthat the present invention is generally applicable to a variety of powertools, including cordless circular saws, cordless reciprocating saws,planars, flashlights, as well as other cordless tools having arechargeable battery pack secured thereto.

[0033] The power tool 100 has a housing 102 that is preferably moldedfrom a suitable plastic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene,or polyurethane. In a preferred embodiment, the power tool housing 102is injection molded having two halves portions 102A, 102B. The two halveportions 102A, 102B are secured together in a conventional manner usingmechanical fasteners (not shown), such as screws. The tool housing 102includes a generally tubular and elongated main body portion 103. Anelectric motor (not shown) is disposed within the body portion 103. Theelectric motor is electrically coupled to a battery pack 108 thatprovides the electrical energy to power the electric motor. Furthermore,the electric motor is mechanically coupled to an output shaft 105 thatcan be configured to operate with various tool accessories. For example,the output shaft 105 is a conventional drill chuck that can beconfigured to operate with tool accessories, such as, drill bits,drivers, or other accessories.

[0034] The tool housing 102 also includes a handle portion 104 thatextends downwardly from the main body portion 103. By “downwardly,” itis meant that in the orientation of the power tool 100 shown in FIG. 1,the handle portion 104 extends below the main body portion 103 of thepower tool 100. The handle portion 104 is configured and arranged toallow a user to easily grip and maneuver the power tool 100 duringoperation. As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the handle portion 104 includes afirst side region 111A, a second side region 111B opposite the firstside region 111A. Additionally, the handle portion 104 includes a frontregion 113A connecting the first and second side regions 111A, 111Balong the front of the power tool, and a rear region 113B connecting thefirst and second side regions 111A, 111B along the rear of the powertool 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5, the first side region111A is the “right-hand” side of the handle portion 104 and the secondside region 111B is the “left-hand” side of the handle portion 104.

[0035] The power tool housing 102 also defines a trigger receivingportion 109 disposed between the main body portion 103 and the handleportion 104. More particularly, the trigger receiving portion 109 isdisposed between the main body portion 103 and the front region 113A.The trigger receiving portion 109 is sized and configured to allow theoperator to engage a trigger 107 disposed through the trigger receivingportion 109. Moreover, the trigger receiving portion 109 defines a ridge112 that separates the trigger receiving portion 109 from the handleportion 104. The ridge 112 assists the operator in properly aligning hishand on the handle portion 104 when operating the power tool 100. Forexample, when the operator is gripping the power tool 100, the operatortypically uses his trigger finger (eg. the operator's forefinger) toactuate the trigger 107. While the operator's trigger finger ispositioned over the trigger receiving portion 109, the ridge 112 ensuresthat the operator's other fingers are positioned below the trigger 107and are, therefore, unable to actuate the trigger 107.

[0036] Referring again to FIG. 1, the power tool 100 also includes asupport portion 106 that is integral with the handle portion 104. Thesupport portion 106 is generally flat and elongated and extends in adirection substantially parallel to the elongated main body portion 103.The support portion 106 stabilizes the power tool 100 when resting on aflat surface in an upright position as shown in FIG. 1. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, a battery pack 108 is releasablysecured to the support portion 106 of the power tool 100. In oneembodiment, the battery 108 can be released from the power tool 100 bydepressing the button 110 which is disposed through a side of the handleportion 104.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 6, a side elevational view illustrating therear of the power tool 100 is shown. As can be seen, the support portion106 depends from and is integral with the handle portion 104. Thesupport portion 106 includes a battery receiving portion 112. Thebattery receiving portion 112 is sized and configured to slidablyreceive the battery 108 (FIG. 1) through the opening 114. The batteryreceiving portion 112 is capable of accommodating any size battery 108that is capable of operating the cordless power tool 100. For example,the battery 108 can be a 12 volt, 14.4 volt or a 19.2 volt battery orany other size battery capable of operating the cordless power tool 100.The battery receiving portion 112 includes a first guide channel 116 anda second guide channel 119. The first guide channel 116 is generally“L-shaped” and includes an upright member 117 depending from themounting surface 115. A flange member 118 extends laterally from andsubstantially perpendicular to the upright member 117. Similarly, thesecond guide member 119 is also generally “L-shaped” and includes anupright member 120 depending from and substantially perpendicular to themounting surface 115. A flange member 121 extends laterally from andsubstantially perpendicular to the upright member 120. Additionally,electrical terminals or contacts 122 depend from the mounting surface115 and are disposed within the battery receiving portion 112.Preferably, the electrical terminals or contacts 122 are substantiallycentered between the first and second guide channels 116, 119. Theelectrical terminals 122 are situated to engage the battery terminals162 integral with the battery 108 discussed below in connection withFIGS. 10 and 11.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 7A, a bottom plan view of the power tool100 is shown illustrating the battery release mechanism according to theprinciples of the present disclosure. As can be seen, the first guidechannel 116 is substantially parallel to the second guide channel 119.Further, the first and second guide channels 116, 119 are situated alongthe length of the mounting surface 115 and are spaced apart a lateraldistance. As discussed above, the first and second guide channels 116,119 are constructed and arranged to receive the battery 108 (FIG. 1).

[0039] The battery release mechanism includes a generally elongatedclosure member 130 that is situated within the battery receiving portion112 substantially perpendicular to the first and second guide channels116, 119. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the closure member 130 has a firstend 132 and a second end 134. The first end 132 is disposed through aside wall of the power tool housing 100 and defines a push button 110that allows a user to selectively move the closure member 130 from a“lock” position to a “release” position. In one embodiment, the pushbutton 110 is disposed through the first side region 111A of the handleportion 104. Alternatively, the push button 110 can be disposed throughthe second side region 111B of the handle portion 104. Thus, an operatorcan easily and efficiently release the battery 108 from the power tool100 by depressing a single button 110 disposed through a side region ofthe power tool 100.

[0040] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9, the elongated closure member130 also includes a locking finger 136 at or substantially near thesecond end 134. The locking finger 136 is constructed and arranged toselectively obstruct the first guide channel 116. As shown in FIG. 8,the locking finger 136 includes an angled or chamfered surface 138 and arear edge surface 139 that converge at the tip 137. In one embodiment,the locking finger 136 obstructs at least a portion of the first guiderail 116 when the closure member 130 is disposed within the batteryreceiving portion 112 and in the “lock” position. By “obstruct,” it ismeant that the tip 137 of the locking finger 136 extends beyond theupright member 117 of the first guide rail 116. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 6, the tip 137 of the locking finger 136 is substantiallycoplanar with the tip 118A of the laterally extending flange member 118.Conversely, when the closure member 130 is in the “release” position asshown in FIG. 7B, the locking finger 136 no longer obstructs the firstguide channel 116. Instead, the tip 137 of the locking finger 136 issubstantially coplanar with the upright member 117. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 7B, the tip 137 of the locking finger 136 is substantiallycoplanar with the upright member 117.

[0041] A post 135 extends from a lower portion 133 of the closure member130 as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8. The post 135 is sized andconfigured to receive a spring 125, such as a helical coil compressionspring. The spring 125 biases the closure member 130 in the “lock”position. For example, when the closure member 130 is disposed withinthe battery receiving portion 112, the spring 125 biases the closuremember 130 into the “lock” position such that the locking finger 136obstructs at least a portion of the first guide channel 116 as discussedabove. Conversely, when the push button 110 is depressed, the spring 125is compressed as the closure member 130 is moved from the “lock”position to the “release” position.

[0042] As discussed above, the battery receiving portion 112 isconstructed and arranged to receive and secure the battery 108 withinthe battery receiving portion 112. Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, thebattery 108 includes a main body portion 150. The main body portion 150has a flat bottom surface 150A that allows the power tool 100 to remainin an upright position as shown in FIG. 1 when the battery 108 issecured to the power tool 100.

[0043] An attachment portion 151 opposite the bottom surface 150A isprovided to engage with the battery receiving portion 112 of the powertool 100. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment portion 151 issubstantially centered on the attachment surface 158. The attachmentportion 151 includes a first guide rail 152 and a second guide rail 155.The first guide rail 152 is a generally “L-shaped” and includes anupright member 153 extending upwards and substantially perpendicularfrom the attachment surface 158 and opposite the bottom surface 150A. Aflange member 154 extends laterally from and substantially perpendicularto the upright member 153. The second guide rail 155 is also generally“L-shaped” and also includes an upright member 156 extending upwards andsubstantially perpendicular from the attachment surface 158 and oppositethe bottom surface 150A. A flange member 157 extends laterally from andsubstantially perpendicular to the upright member 156. A rear edge 164extends between and connects the first and second guide rails 152, 155.

[0044] The first and second guide rails 152, 155 are constructed andarranged to engage and interlock with the first and second guidechannels 116, 119, respectively. By “interlock,” it is meant that thefirst and second guide rails 152, 155 cooperate with the first andsecond guide channels 116, 119 to allow the battery 108 to slidablyengage with the power tool 100. To facilitate this, the flange member154 of the first guide rail 152 has a chamfered or beveled leading edge154A. Similarly, the flange member 157 of the second guide rail 155 hasa chamfered or beveled leading edge 157A. The chamfered or beveledleading edges 154A, 157A allows easier alignment and interlockingbetween the first and second guide rails 152, 155 and the first andsecond guide channels 116, 119.

[0045] The battery terminals 162 are disposed within the attachmentportion 151 of the battery 108. The battery terminals 162 areelectrically coupled to the battery cells 159 disposed within the mainbody portion 150 of the battery 108. The battery terminals 162 areconstructed and arranged to engage the battery contacts 122 disposedwithin the battery receiving portion 112. Accordingly, electricalcommunication is provided between the battery terminals 162 and thebattery contacts 122 when the battery 108 is releasably secured to thepower tool 100 according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, thebattery 108 also includes a sealing member 166 that seals the opening114 once the battery 108 is releasably secured to the power tool 100.

[0046] In operation, the battery 108 can be releasably secured to thepower tool 100 by bringing the attachment portion 151 of the battery 108into engagement with the battery receiving portion 112 of the power tool100. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 12 the battery 108 is brought intoengagement with the power tool 100 from the rear. This is accomplishedby first aligning the attachment portion 151 with the opening 114 of thebattery receiving portion 112. As shown in FIG. 13A, after aligning theattachment portion 151 with the battery receiving portion 112, thebattery 108 can be slid into the tool housing 102 such that the firstguide rail 152 engages the first guide channel 116 and the second guiderail 155 engages the second guide channel 119. For example, FIG. 13Ashows the battery receiving portion 112 and the attachment portion 154Ain initial engagement. Thus, the leading edge 154A is in physicalengagement with the locking finger 136 that obstructs at least a portionof the first guide channel 116.

[0047] As the attachment portion 151 is slid into engagement with thebattery receiving portion 112, the first and second guide rails 152, 155are allowed to interlock with the first and second guide channels 116,119. As discussed above, the closure member 130 is biased into the“lock” position such that the locking finger 136 obstructs at least aportion of the first guide channel 116. However, as shown in FIG. 13B,as the battery 108 is slidably moved into engagement with the batteryreceiving portion 112, the first guide rail 152 engages the closuremember 130 and urges the closure member 130 into the “release” position.For example, the first guide rail 152 urges the locking finger 136 outof the first guide channel 116 such that the tip 137 is substantiallycoplanar with the upright member 117 of the first guide channel 116. Ina preferred embodiment, the flange member 153 of the first guide rail152 has a chamfered leading edge 153A that engages the angled orchamfered surface 138 of the locking finger 136 as the first guide rail152 slidably engages the first guide channel 116. Accordingly, theresistance of the locking finger 136 to be moved from the guide channel116 is reduced. The battery 108 is moved further into the batteryreceiving portion 112 until the rear edge 164 of the attachment portion151 moves beyond the rear edge 139 of the locking finger 136 as shown inFIG. 13C. In this position, the first guide rail 152 no longer urges thelocking finger out of the first guide channel 116 and therefore, theclosure member 130 is allowed to return to the “lock” position. In thisposition, the battery 108 is secured to the power tool 100.

[0048] An operator can release the battery 108 from the power tool 100by depressing the push button 110 and urging the battery 108 in adirection towards the rear of the power tool 100. Preferably, the pushbutton 110 is disposed through the side of the power tool housing 102and can be depressed by the operator using the same hand that urges thebattery 108 away from the power tool 100. By depressing the push button110, the closure member 130 is urged from the “lock” position to the“release” position. In the “release” position, the locking finger 136 ofthe closure member 130 no longer obstructs the first guide channel 116.Thus, the rear edge 164 of the attachment portion 151 no longerprevented from movement by the rear edge 139 of the locking finger 136.As a result, the battery 108 can be easily removed from the batteryreceiving portion 112 of the power tool 100 by depressing a singlebutton 110 disposed through a side region of the power tool 100 andpulling the battery 108 from the power tool 100.

[0049] The operator can maintain a firm grip on the handle portion 104with a first hand while gripping the battery 108 and depressing the pushbutton 110 with a second hand. Preferably, the first hand of theoperator grips the handle portion 104 of the power tool 100 similar tothe way the power tool 100 is held during operation. A second hand ofthe operator grips the battery while depressing the button 110 andpulling the battery 108 from the power tool 100. Alternatively, theoperator can depress the button 110 with a finger of the first handholding the handle portion 104 while pulling the battery 108 from thepower tool 100. In either case, the operator can easily and efficientlyremove the battery 108 from the power tool 100.

[0050] The above specification and embodiments are believed to provide acomplete description of the manufacturer and use of particularembodiments of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, whichis limited by the attached claims.

We claim:
 1. A cordless power tool comprising: (a) a main body portion;(b) a handle portion depending from the main body portion; and (c) amechanism for releasably securing a battery having battery terminals tothe handle portion opposite the main body portion, the mechanismincluding: (i) a battery receiving portion integral with the handleportion, the battery receiving portion having battery contacts disposedtherein; (ii) an attachment portion integral with the battery, theattachment portion being constructed and arranged for engaging thebattery receiving portion such that the battery terminals engage thebattery contacts; (iii) a closure member operable with and transverselydisposed within the battery receiving portion and configured to securethe battery within the battery receiving portion, the closure memberhaving a lock position and a release position, the closure memberincluding: (i) first and second opposite ends, the first end beingdisposed through a side wall of the tool housing and defining a pushbutton for selectively moving the closure member from the lock positionto the release position, thereby allowing the battery to be easilyremoved from the power tool.
 2. The power tool of claim 1, the closuremember further comprising a locking finger integral with the second end,the locking finger being constructed and arranged for securing thebattery within the battery receiving portion when the closure member isin the lock position.
 3. The power tool of claim 1, wherein: (a) thebattery receiving portion includes first and second guide channels; and(b) the attachment portion comprises first and second guide rails beingconstructed and arranged for interlocking with the first and secondguide channels.
 4. The power tool of claim 3, the closure member furthercomprising a locking finger integral with the second end, the lockingfinger being constructed and arranged for securing the guide railswithin the guide channels when the battery is positioned within thebattery receiving portion and the closure member is in the lockposition.
 5. The power tool of claim 4, wherein the locking finger has achamfered surface constructed and arranged to engage with the firstguide rail of the attachment portion such that the closure mechanism ismoved to the release position.
 6. The power tool of claim 4, wherein thelocking finger obstructs at least a portion of the first guide channelwhen the closure member is in the lock position.
 7. The power tool ofclaim 4, wherein the locking finger is removed from the first guidechannel when the closure member is in the release position.
 8. The powertool of claim 1, wherein the closure member is spring biased in the lockposition.
 9. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the attachment portionslidably engages the battery receiving portion from the rear of thepower tool.
 10. A mechanism for releasably securing a battery havingbattery terminals to a power tool housing, the mechanism comprising: (a)a battery receiving portion integral with the power tool housing, thebattery receiving portion having battery contacts disposed therein andfurther having a mounting surface for receiving a battery; (b) anattachment portion integral with the battery, the attachment portionconstructed and arranged for engaging the battery receiving portion suchthat the battery terminals engage the battery contacts; (c) a closuremember operable with and arranged substantially perpendicular to thebattery receiving portion and configured to secure the battery withinthe battery receiving portion when the closure member is in a lockposition and disengage the battery when the closure member is in arelease position, the closure member including: (i) first and secondopposite ends; (ii) an elongated body portion; (iii) a locking fingerintegral with and extending from the body portion substantially near thesecond end of the closure member, the locking finger being constructedand arranged for securing the attachment portion when the battery ispositioned within the battery receiving portion.
 11. The mechanism ofclaim 10, wherein the first end of the closure member is disposedthrough a side wall of the tool housing and defines a push button forselectively moving the closure member from the lock position to therelease position.
 12. The mechanism of claim 10, wherein (a) the batteryreceiving portion includes first and second guide channels having anupright member extending from the mounting surface and a flange memberextending substantially perpendicular from the distal end of the uprightmember; and (b) the attachment portion comprises first and second guiderails being constructed and arranged for interlocking with the first andsecond guide channels, the guide rails having a first end for engagingthe locking finger when the battery is moved in a first directionrelative to the attachment portion, and a second end for engaging thelocking finger when the battery is moved in a second direction relativeto the attachment portion.
 13. The mechanism of claim 12, wherein thelocking finger includes a chamfered surface constructed and arranged toengage with the first guide rail of the attachment portion such that theclosure mechanism is moved to the release position.
 14. The mechanism ofclaim 13, wherein the locking finger further includes an occludingsurface opposite the chamfered surface, the occluding surface beingconstructed and arranged to obstruct at least a portion of the firstguide channel when the closure member is in the lock position.
 15. Amethod of releasably securing a battery to a power tool housing, themethod comprising the steps of: (a) providing a battery receivingportion integral with the tool housing, the battery receiving portionbeing operable with a closure member transversely disposed within thebattery receiving portion and configured to secure the battery withinthe battery receiving portion, the closure member having: (i) first andsecond opposite ends, the first end being disposed through a side wallof the tool housing and defining a push button for selectively movingthe closure member from a lock position to a release position; (b)providing an attachment portion integral with the battery, theattachment portion being constructed and arranged for engaging thebattery receiving portion; (c) aligning the attachment portion with thebattery receiving portion; (d) moving the battery in a first directionsuch that the attachment portion slidably engages the battery receivingportion and the closure member such that the closure member is urgedinto the release position; and (e) positioning the battery within thebattery receiving portion such that the closure member returns to thelock position, thereby securing the battery to the power tool.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein: (a) the step of providing a batteryreceiving portion integral with the tool housing includes proving abattery receiving portion having first and second guide channels; (b)the step of providing an attachment portion integral with the batteryincludes providing an attachment portion having first and second guiderails being constructed and arranged for interlocking with the first andsecond guide channels; and (c) the step of aligning the attachmentportion with the battery receiving portion further includes aligning thefirst and second guide rails with the first and second guide channels.17. The method of claim 16, wherein: (a) the step of providing a batteryreceiving portion operable with a closure member includes providing aclosure member having a locking finger integral with the second end ofthe closure member; and (b) the step of moving the battery in a firstdirection further includes moving the battery in a first direction suchthat the first and second guide rails slidably engage the first andsecond guide channels and the locking finger such that the closuremember is urged into the release position.
 18. The method of claim 15,the method further comprising the step of: (a) depressing the pushbutton such that the closure member moves from the lock position to therelease position; and (b) moving the battery in a second direction suchthat the attachment portion disengages from the battery receivingportion.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein: (a) the step of moving thebattery in a first direction includes moving the battery in a firstdirection such that the attachment portion slidably engages the batteryreceiving portion from the rear of the power tool.